Note 66 — Chapter XXXXV
Reading edition
In the same Manner that Curls and Streams of Air
descended
into the Bason over the rising
Steam
, and interrupted the Regularity of
its
Elevation; in the
larger
Towns, during Winter (
the Weather being moderate
) the Pressure of Air on all Sides, from without, produces a constant Breeze towards the Center of the Town: as may be discovered, not only by the Smoke in its Deviation from the Perpendicular, as it issues from the Chimneys; but by all who are inclined to make the Trial; for, on leaving the Town, they will
meet
the Breeze.
In calm Weather, during Summer, the contrary Event happens: but more particularly in hot Climates. For the Country being hotter than the Town; a Depression of the Atmosphere takes Place, and scatters the Smoke on all Sides round the Town.
The Cities in Italy, and other hot Climates, on Account of the Buildings, and desirable Narrowness of the Streets, form one contiguous Shelter, Arbor, or grand Parasol: For which Reason, the Nobility leave the Country, and reside in the Towns during Summer: there finding a Coolness and Refreshment unknown on the scorching Plains.
A Reception and Dispersion of Air takes Place; as will presently be mentioned.
The same ocular Proof and Process in the Evaporation of Steam, accounts at once, for a curious Phenomenon constantly observable on all Waters; viz. a narrow smooth irregular Surface of considerable Length, nearly in the Direction of the Wind, yet unaffected by it: all which is probably nothing more than rising Volumes of elastic invisible Steam; resisting the two nearest descending Waves of air; and preventing them from approaching the Surface of Water, over which the Steam is compressed; and there producing a temporary calm.